Many remember "Steel Magnolias," the 1989 tearjerker starring Julia Roberts and Shirley MacLaine, and Lifetime is hoping to capitalize on that recognition with a high-profile TV movie of the same name starring Queen Latifah and Alfre Woodard.
The project is set to premiere on Sunday, October 7, but a new lawsuit filed against Lifetime, A&E Networks and Sony Pictures Television has called the movie's future into question. Victoria L. White, who produced the original film, is alleging that the new TV movie was made "without her permission or an agreement for the underlying rights," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The suit reportedly states that White was "shocked and dismayed" when she heard about the Lifetime remake, alleging that White acquired the rights to develop the original project with other co-producers, including the late Ray Stark, and that Lifetime should've sought her permission before proceeding with the film.
White is said to be seeking a producing credit on the new Lifetime version, as well as "compensation of $5,000 per episode plus a $10,000 bonus, and a share of net profits," according to THR. In the suit, she is allegedly asking the court to halt the premiere of "Steel Magnolias" until she receives credit and compensation.
For more on the story, head over to The Hollywood Reporter.
